Tesla Model Y Juniper – All you need to know about

By on 22 August 2024 / Leave a comment Updated on: 22nd August 2024

Elon Musk recently unveiled exciting updates for the Model Y, which will be featured in the 2025 Model Y refresh. New color options, and added features are generating interest in the update for the cabins. Musk has stated that there won’t be a new Model Y released this year that will offer these upgrades. However, it seems otherwise as an image has leaked, and the recent actions taken by Tesla indicate the same thing. In this article, we shall discuss everything known regarding the hotly anticipated Tesla Model Y Juniper.

Expected New Features Of Tesla Model Y Juniper

 Design and Lighting

It is anticipated that the new Model Y Juniper will have a design similar to the recent Model 3, with major changes to the front and back and an entirely new lighting setup. These modifications guarantee that the Model Y Juniper will always look sleek and contemporary. Energy efficiency and aerodynamics are also enhanced by the makeover.

Performance and Range

With the help of technology advancements and design improvements, the Model Y Juniper seeks to reach a 600 km range. A more streamlined hood, low-profile headlamps, and improved sports seats with improved side support for aggressive cornering are among the performance upgrades. An even more entertaining and dynamic driving experience is promised with these enhancements.

Interior Upgrades

The Juniper upgrade features a revamped armrest, additional storage spaces, and a new centre console with two wireless phone chargers. In addition, the Model Y Juniper will include 360-degree acoustic glass for a quieter cabin and ventilated seats. All passengers will have a more opulent and comfortable trip thanks to these improvements.

 Technological Advancements

Many of the technology improvements seen in the Model 3 Highland are also present in the revised Model Y Juniper. This features a rear screen for passengers, improved tyres and wheels for greater range and quieter operation, and frequency response dampeners for a more comfortable ride. Furthermore, Tesla’s shift to more user-friendly, software-based controls is reflected in the removal of steering wheel stalks and the incorporation of gear selection into the touch screen.

Sound and Controls

An improved sound system is a feature of the Model Y Juniper that improves the audio quality overall. The driving interface is further modernized with the switch to more display-based controls, such as thumb buttons on the steering wheel

Tesla Model Y Juniper: New Colour Choices

Tesla Model Y showcasing the new color options, with a focus on the Quicksilver color now available for all trims in the US and Canada
Titled forums which pander on the consumer’s want for a new colour

Now, one of the most significant updates for the Model Y—and one that many Tesla customers begged for—was new colour options. Tesla finally listened and is bringing new colours to the Model Y it produces in North America. One of the most stunning colours, Quicksilver, is now available in every trim for the Model Y in the US and Canada. This update is most likely to be welcomed by many consumers because, since the launch, Quicksilver has been extremely popular.

Tesla Model Y in the Quicksilver color, highlighting its addition to the lineup for all trims in the US and Canada
Quicksilver Option Made Available for All Model Y Trims in the US

When Quicksilver was first announced, it came with a steep price tag of $3,000, making it one of Tesla’s most expensive optional colours. The price has been reduced since then. On the Model Y’s order page in the United States, Quicksilver is now priced at $2,000 in the United States. This reduction makes it a more accessible option for those looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their vehicle.

As more colour options are introduced, the Model Y Juniper is expected to follow the same strategy, expanding the range of colours available to consumers. Historically, the U.S. market has often been the last to receive these new colour options, following their introduction in China and Europe.

Expected Base Price for the Tesla Model Y Juniper

Now, if Tesla does for the Model Y what it did to the refreshed Model 3, the price of the new Model Y Juniper will be the same as the version on sale now—right around $45,000. This is the best-case scenario since three factors would move the price of the Juniper model.

Inflation

Tes
Quicksilver Option Made Available for All Model Y Trims in the US

Among the major factors that could affect the price, inflation is one key element. This has reduced from 2024, but in 2025, it will be around 2.1 percent. Based on how the current model year of the Model Y starts at nearly $45,000, you can add about $945 for the Model Y Juniper in the year due to such inflation.

 Cost Of Battery

Tesla Model Y Juniper with a preview of expanding inflation, that could reflect on the introductory pricing of the Model Y refresh
Inflation rate in the US from 2010 to 2028 that could very well affect introductory pricing of the Tesla Model Y Juniper

The other critical factor includes battery costs. Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2025, the battery price is likely to be $99 per kWh, which is down 40% from 2022. This falling trend could shave probably $5,000 off the cost of the Model Y Juniper, though the real amount of savings can not be precisely known.

Graph showing the predicted decrease in battery price to 99$ per kWh by 2025, down 40% from 2022, and its potential impact on reducing Model Y Juniper's cost by approximately $5,000
Battery prices are down to 40% from 2022

New Regulations on Batteries

A document highlighting new regulations on battery content restrictions for EV tax credits
Electric Car Battery Prices Falling Faster Than Anticipated
A document of Tesla's Nevada battery plant, showcasing its role in maintaining $7,500 tax credits despite new regulations
Tesla to build battery plant in Nevada with Assistance from CATL

New regulations beginning this year restrict the amount of Chinese content allowed in batteries for EV tax credit eligibility. One vehicle that could be impacted is the Model Y Juniper, potentially equipped with a China-made Shanking Plus battery, which may no longer qualify for this benefit. Tesla, however, is banking on its new Nevada battery plant, constructed using Chinese equipment but without Chinese involvement in its production, to keep receiving the $7,500 tax credit.

An infographic of the Shanking Plus battery and its potential impact on tax credit eligibility.
New regulations limit Chinese content in batteries for EV Tax Credit

Federal Tax Credit on EVs

Image showing price caps for federal EV tax credit eligibility over time.
Price Caps for Federal EV Tax Credit Eligibility

Three requirements of the EV federal tax credit include price caps, income limits, and North American assembly. The Model Y Juniper would very well fit into these; pricing at an MSRP cap of $80,000 for SUVs, Tesla’s vertical integration, and North American production should secure it a qualifying status for the tax credit.

This info detailing the North American assembly requirement for federal EV tax credit eligibility
North American Assembly Requirement for EV Tax Credit

Launch speculations of Tesla Juniper Model Y debunked by Elon Musk 

This info detailing the North American assembly requirement for federal EV tax credit eligibility
North American Assembly Requirement for EV Tax Credit

In a subscription-limited post on X, the most influential Tesla content creator, Sawyer Merritt, hypothesized the Model Y Juniper is coming soon. However, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk responded, “There is no new Model Y this year, please stop implying there is as it hurts our sales of the current version.” Recent moves by Tesla and the denial from Musk have been the opposite. A leaked image of a masked Model Y available on Reddit has joined the flood of speculation on the Internet.

Future-Ready-Buyers for Tesla Juniper Model Y: What to Consider

The new Juniper model boasts advanced features and a new design. If those are important to you, it would be worth the wait. Some consideration choices should be:

  • If you plan to hold onto the car for several more years, an investment in the new model that includes new technology might be warranted.
  • Conversely, if you plan to upgrade frequently, the current incentives and deals likely make more sense.

Conclusion

What can be said about the Tesla Model Y Juniper is that it comes with huge improvements and new features, making it very attractive to prospective clients looking for the most up-to-date automotive technology and modern design. But if availability right now and incentives prove more critical to you, then the current Model Y is still quite a close choice. The decision should be made by weighing the uncertainty of a confirmed refresh against what is needed right now as always, however, time will only tell.

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Izz Dan

I love Electric Vehicles! Been always fascinated how a remote toy car can be used in real life scenarios. I've been an electrical engineer at Energi Elite as well and just decided to write & share about what I've learned here.

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